A review by karlakayjenniges
The Dark Within by R.A. King

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 "Hissing whispers filled the air, darting through the shadows like unseen phantoms. They taunted him, their words incomprehensible yet laden with malice, a language that echoed from the depths of his fear."

As a young boy, Alex was warned by his father to never go near or enter the shed. No reason was ever given. But when he hits a ball through the window, he goes in and from that moment on, life was and never will be the same. The hidden horrors have been unleashed from within.

 20 years later, in the city of Chicago, Alex established a new life for himself. A steady job and good friends. But there is something disturbing and sinister occurring in the city. Someone stalking the city, committing murder. Methodically in his ways, he never leaves a trace of evidence, and the victims vanish without a trace. One by one, the group of friends begin to disappear. 

 Alex has been having vivid nightmares, placing him at the scene of the crime while in a state of dreaming. He is confused as to why this is happening, and his friends seem to not believe him when he tells them it feels so real. The only logical explanation is it is just a dream. 

 The "Chicago Slicer" is among them. The question is, who is it? Will Alex figure out why he sees the killings occur in his nightmares? Will the serial killer eventually be caught? Will the real nightmare end? 

 There is so much foreboding darkness within this story. A creeping dread. As the storyline builds, there are scenes that are chilling, disturbing, and there is a sadness that settles in. As the beginning of the synopsis states, this is a psychological horror that blurs the lines between nightmares, reality, sanity, and madness. As Alex is the one experiencing this within the pages of the book, the reader certainly feels like it is invading one's mind as well. Questioning what the hell is happening. A mind bender, blurring one's thoughts, believing one thing, or maybe not. Feeling terrible for Alex and what he has experienced as a child, and yet, questioning his character as an adult. Who is he, really? Is he something else than what he presents as or is there something even more sinister occurring that is deeply hidden within him? 

 As a debut novel, the author is giving a glimpse into his writing style. Clearly a talent to be appreciated. And as with many authors, as time goes on, their writing becomes stronger. There were some disconnections, but nothing too serious that detracted too much from the story. 

 If you enjoy:

Psychological Fiction

Horror

Brutality

Dread and sadness.

An unreliable character/Narrator

Indie Authors

 Please consider giving this one a read!